How Trump Is Making Sure His Ballroom Plans Sail Through

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by Luke Broadwater

February 19, 2026

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President Trump has taken significant steps to ensure his $400 million White House ballroom plans proceed without opposition. By appointing allies, including his former receptionist Chamberlain Harris, to key boards and commissions overseeing the project, Trump has effectively neutralized any potential resistance. These bodies, such as the Commission of Fine Arts, now consist largely of individuals with close ties to him rather than experts in art, architecture, or landscape design. While these panels provide advice, they cannot block Trump's plans, ensuring his vision moves forward unimpeded. The article draws a comparison to President Harry S. Truman, who faced opposition when adding a balcony in the 1940s but ultimately succeeded by disregarding critics and later replacing dissenting commissioners. However, Trump’s approach has been more preemptive, stacking the commissions with loyalists early on. This strategy appears to have worked, as there is little to no resistance to his plans within his administration. Critics, such as the Cultural Landscape Foundation, argue that the lack of experts in relevant fields undermines the integrity of decisions about one of the nation’s most significant landscapes. The foundation highlights a “monumental deficit” in expertise, raising concerns about the long-term impact of Trump's changes on the White House’s historical and cultural significance. This matters because it underscores how presidential power can shape national landmarks with little accountability. By sidelining independent experts, Trump sets a precedent for future administrations, potentially altering how such projects are approved and executed. Readers interested in news and government dynamics will find this development particularly relevant, as it highlights the intersection of politics, architecture, and historical preservation.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026